Abingdon Theatre Company's first staging of 2004 is the developmental run of a new play by Jan Buttram, Texas Homos,, about a prominent doctor and a local minister who are nabbed in a police sting of gay activity.

Michael Busillo in Texas HomosPhoto by Kim T. Sharp

The Off-Broadway run begins Jan. 23 in the 55-seat second stage at Abingdon, where new works play after a process of several readings and revisions. Critics are not invited, though the staging is fully realized with production values, a spokesman said. Melvin Bernhardt, who won a Tony Award for directing Da, staged the play. He was also nommed for Crimes of the Heart on Broadway.

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The aftermath of the arrest is billed as comic: "In the hilarious aftermath of a police sting operation in a public restroom, three men face the music as the morning paper announces their arrests. A prominent doctor, a Methodist preacher and a young wannabe-superstar dispute the true details of their encounters as their lawyer prepares for Monday's arraignment."

Texas Homos continues to Feb. 1 at Abingdon Theatre Arts Complex, 312 W. 36th Street, First Floor. Abingdon Theatre Company is committed to developing and producing new American theatre. It also operates a 99 seat theatre, the June Havoc, in the same complex.

Tickets are $19. To order, call SmartTix at (212) 868-4444 or visit www.smarttix.com.